My name is Jim Peck, and I am a veteran of the United States Marine Corps Reserve. I always tell people that, yes I served but you'll never find my name in any history books. I come from a family with a rich heritage of military service, many of them Marines also. One of the best things of having served is the bond veterans have with one another whether they have ever met before or not. Despite differences in branches, it's there. Generally covered up by some good-natured ribbing.
Unfortunately, there is an epidemic in this country that is resulting in the suicide of an average of 22 veterans a day. This walk is one of many events that occurs each year to help raise awareness as well as funds to help vets in need get the help they so desperately need. It changed the lives of the founders of Ma Deuce Deuce, and it could do the same for others.
My team is named Nighthawk after Christopher M. "Nighthawk" Corley. Chris was a Marine who I only knew through Facebook, but he was one hell of a funny guy. Facebook is a blessing, and at times a curse. One day, Chris posted a message that was clearly a cry for help. I watched the responses over the course of probably 4 or 5 hours as fellow Marines and friends came together to get in touch with him and try to help. Unfortunately, by the time they got to him, it was too late. On February 28, 2018, Chris joined the ranks of that day's 22.
In the aftermath, I learned more about him from his friends and family. He was a huge Arnold Schwarzenegger fan, emulating his physical regimen, love of cigars, and even naming his dog Arnold.
He was a kid like me, dressing up in cammies and dreaming of one day becoming a Marine.
He loved his country and his Corps to the end. Unfortunately, whatever demons he dealt with won. That needs to stop.
I'm rucking for men and women like Chris in the hopes of raising awareness and funds. Throughout last year's ruck, people were walking up to our marchers to inquire about why we were all there. Many of them had no idea about the 22. There were over 180 people last year, and their goal this year is 300.
Together, we can make a huge difference. If you can walk with us, sign up for my team. You don't have to do the whole 22k but you'll get to the point that you will not want to stop. If you can't walk, you can donate under Team Nighthawk or any other team you want. The end goal is the same for all.
Thank you for taking the time to read all of this, and please spread the word. Share as much as you can, whether it is on Facebook, emails, chain letters. We have a little over a month until the ruck. Let's make it an awesome one! For Chris and all those both before and currently struggling.
Semper Fi!!
Jim
Quick Links:
- Check our facebook page for latest updates! https://www.facebook.com/madeucedeuce
- Check out our facebook event page for info too: https://www.facebook.com/events/2051602875122580
- Collecting money in-person with checks or cash donated? Use this form: https://tinyurl.com/ruckitdonations
- Waiver to print out and bring on ruck day: https://tinyurl.com/ruckwaiver
- Route is Brick VFW to Mantoloking Road, east to Ocean Avenue, north to Bay Head and then south to Chadwich Beach area before heading north to the Mantoloking Road bridge and back to the Brick VFW. Water stops approximately every 2.5 miles.
- $22 to register. Registrants are invited to enjoy food and refreshments at the finish line party and awards ceremony afterward at the VFW picnic grove. Beer tickets for sale for those 21 and up with ID.
- Want to volunteer with Ma22 to help support Operation Ruck It? Volunteer form at https://goo.gl/forms/pqc21Hkso3AA7b1q2
Operation Ruck It is a 22-kilometer ruck-style walk along the Jersey Shore to raise funds for the 22-a-day veteran suicide epidemic and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Our organization, Ma Deuce Deuce (Ma22,) works to raise awareness of this epidemic and connect veterans with restorative resources at no cost to them. We aim to restore the hearts of those veterans facing depression, anxiety, stress and isolation, suicidal thoughts and trauma from post-traumatic stress disorder.
With Operation Ruck It on September 22, 2018, participants will be directly contributing to our organization to achieve its mission.
Please consider joining us on September 22, 2018 as a rucker! We will be starting at the Brick VFW Post on Adamston Road, heading onto the barrier island through the beautiful towns of Bay Head, Mantoloking, Chadwick Beach and the northern beaches of Brick and Toms River before heading to the finish line party back at the Brick VFW!
You can Ruck the Jersey Shore with us! Ruckers have a $22 minimum registration, and those who register before September 10 and raise above the minimum will also receive a t-shirt. If you'd simply like to contribute with a donation and not ruck the 22k, we appreciate your donation!
Ma Deuce Deuce (MA22) Was Founded By A Few Marines after Attending a Program Called Operation Restored Warrior (ORW), John Cohen And Dennis Addesso Decided To Start Something To Make Programs Like ORW Known. With Another ORW Alumni, Walter (Thomas) Kiselow and A Glorious F-350 Wrapped In A Military Theme, They Set Out To Local Events Raising Awareness Of The 22 Veterans Who Commit Suicide.
MA22 Is Dedicated To Providing Information And Education Regarding The Network Of Services Available For Military Veterans Classified With Special Needs Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), And Other Disabilities And Providing The Opportunity To Experience Treatment Outside Of The Veteran Affairs (VA) Administration Facilities And Programs At No Cost To The Veteran. MA22 Will Provide This Network To These Veterans In An Effort To Eradicate The Estimated 22 Daily Veteran Suicides Epidemic.
MA22 Activities Will Include, But Not Be Limited To:
- Conducting Fundraising Events With The Goal Of Supporting Other Section 50l(C)(3) Non-Profit Organizations That Directly Provide Counseling And Other Services To At-Risk Veterans. Providing Information And Education Regarding Veteran Suicide And The Network Or Service Available For Veterans.
- Promoting Advocacy For Veterans To Raise Awareness Of And Educate The General Public About The Veterans’ Suicide
Operation Restored Warrior (ORW) Is A Free 5 Day Program Located In On Lake Tahoe, California And On A Horse Ranch In Eagle, Colorado. Since 2007 ORW Has Successfully Restored The Hearts Of Over 700 Of Our Nation’s Heroes. We Are Always Proud To Share That ORW Reports 3.4% To Overhead, Verified In The Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) #75511, Which Goes To Say 96% Of Every Dollar Goes Directly To Their Program To Rescue, Rebuild, And Restore Our Veterans Past And Present.
Your contribution through our Operation Ruck It 2018 event will directly help veterans have their hearts restored through programs such as Operation Restored Warrior and more!
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